Rudder Cams Question

I've got an '83 H16 with the old style (original) rudders / tiller arms, etc. It appears as though a previous owner rebuilt the cams, plungers etc. This is evident because the cams are not mangled and the pivots are the replacement-style sex-screws, not rivets. When I got the boat, the cams were stuck in the locked (down) position, and the sliding plates were adjusted to just slide past the upper cam protrution, acting like a detent rather than engaging the slot in the cam - if that makes any sense. It worked OK but I can see that the lip would soon be worn off / mangled and mess up two good cams.

I've read all the rudder cam adjustment threads, seen Surf City Catamarans' videos, etc., lubed up the cams and am able to flip them back and forth manually. I've adjusted the sliding plates forward so they engage the cam slot fully (by giving the tiller arm a wiggle while pushing the plate forward and in tightly). Once I get the cams popped up manually, they engage the plates nicely and the rudders lock fully down with a nice "snap". I can then grab the bottom of the rudder and with a firm tug can get the cam to pop up, releasing the cam into the up position (simulating hitting something in the water or running a-ground while beaching, etc.), and can then rest them into the down position very nicely. All is well...until...I try to lift the rudders manully by lifting and pulling the tiller arms. Then the plates are allowed to disengage the cams by the upper lip of the cam simply bending out of the way, and the cams stay down / locked. Now I can't reset the rudders down without manually resting the cams (with a claw hammer - crude but effective and harmless). It seems as though the cams are too soft and too easily delfected to get over the "hump" of the plunger.

Has anyone experienced something similar or am I simply still missing something?

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Nestor & Lori
'83 H16

Based on my H16 experience, you just don't lift the arms. Only pop the rudders by letting the sand push them up or by manually pulling on the rudder. The cam is soft and the sliding plates are not gentle.... Be happy your castings weren't screwed up when the prior owner put in the matched screw replacement system. We overdrilled our casting and now the screw is sloppy. It's killing our cams in a year.

You have done very well thus far, and the end is in sight. You CAN make these buggers work perfectly if you stay at it. What did you use to lube the cams? Marine grease seems to work much better than dry lubricant. Did you remove the cams to inspect them? Sometimes the hole is wallowed and they need replacement, but you can't tell until removal. Also, when you try to unlock the rudders with the crossbar, make sure you're pulling FORWARD before lifting to help keep the plate engaged in the slot of the cam.....concentrate on one side at a time. (It sounds like you're testing these with the boat on the trailer....this technique may actually work better on the water.) Finally, you might want to try loosening the delrin screw that puts pressure on the spring/plunger. They really don't need much pressure....just enough to keep them locked down when the boat is fully loaded on a screaming reach!

I know I'll be chastised, but I normally just let the rudders hit bottom to kick up!

Good luck and please report back!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

It may be that the cams are getting old and should be replaced. The part of the cam that locks down may be soft and allow the plate to go by it. It does happen occasionally though. If you are on the water and it happens, hook the main sheet around the cam and pull to get the cam to go to the unlocked position.

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Howard

Sounds like we're getting there. Thanks for the replies - the expertice on this forum is amazing. I was indeed doing the adjusting on the trailer, so the attempt to lift the rudders was a bit awkward - more straight up rather than forward and up. I hope to get on the water this weekend and try it out.

For lube I was using PB Blaster to make sure all got well lubed - plunger, cam "pocket", etc. Now that they're freed up, I will get some marine grease in there for keeps.

I'll let you guys know how I made out. Thanks again for the replies...

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Nestor & Lori
'83 H16

also, when trying to raise the rudders from the trampoline, do one at a time as you pull each rudder arm forward, as to hinge the rudder upward. So grab the tiller bar towards the corner where the rudder arm attaches, lift slightly and pull that bastard forward until the rudder lifts up. Two things you're fighting is gravity of each rudder, and the friction of the arm, cam, and casting. Heave Ho !

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'99 WAVE
Gulf Breeze, FL

Hey sail681, with your cam screws slightly too long for the deeper counter sunk holes in the castings, have you thought about shortening the female on a grinder? I remember this was a critical step when I rebuilt my old cams, and thanks to Jeremy at Surf City for pointing this out because it helped me succeed.

When I reassembled mine with the new parts the screws were indeed an RCH too long. I put them on the grinder just a little at a time until they were just right. Just thoughts....

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'